Sibling Love

The kids have been home for almost two weeks already, and so far, so good.

I was really looking forward to the kids being home this summer so they could spend more time with Hannah.   Daddy and I felt it would be good for them since she is still very receptive to them and reacts to them being and playing with her.

What I didn’t expect was how much Hannah has gotten out of having her big brother and sister home.   Because the kids are spending more time with her, she is eating it up!   When she hears her sister talking on the side of the room, she will actually roll over to that side to try and see her.   It is so cute!

Ethan has spent time reading her books and giving her lots of kisses.

But the biggest change is Abby.   When Hannah is sitting in the bean bag chair watching TV, Abby is right there lying next to her holding her hand.   Abby  likes to help suction Hannah’s trach, and she is so incredibly attentive and talkative to her now.  If Hannah is sitting with a new nurse, Abby goes over very often to talk to Hannah, almost as if she knows that Hannah needs family love with a new face (nurse).

When the kids spent the night at my in-laws last Saturday, you can tell that Hannah actually missed them!    Daddy and I both commented how she seems more bored when they aren’t around and doesn’t smile as much.

When school was in session, they didn’t really spend a lot of time with Hannah.  Maybe a few minutes after school with quick kisses or a quick book, and then hanging out as a family after dinner before bed.   The kids really only had quality time with her on the weekends, and Abby and Ethan really weren’t as into it as they are this summer.

Having school out now and having the kids home is such a great thing for Hannah and the kids.  I love seeing Hannah smile and really make an effort to be present with her brother and sister.   And I love seeing Ethan and Abby really go out of their way and WANT to spend so much time with Hannah now.